Basilica di santa Maria in Valvendra, Renaissance basilica in Lovere, Italy.
Basilica di Santa Maria in Valvendra is a church with three naves supported by cylindrical columns and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. The building extends across a large interior with multiple side chapels, each containing frescoes and paintings from different periods.
Construction began in 1473 and required engineering work to divert the Valvendra torrent away from the site. The building was consecrated in 1520 and became the largest church in the Diocese of Brescia.
The name refers to the Valvendra stream that was diverted during construction. Visitors see intricate paintings of biblical figures decorating the interior spaces, reflecting how the community expressed faith through visual art.
The basilica sits at the northern edge of Lovere, making it reachable from the town center by a short walk. Inside, take time to walk through the nine side chapels to see the paintings and sculptures displayed throughout.
The marble high altar created by Andrea Fantoni between 1719 and 1720 features a hidden system for displaying consecrated bread. This ornate piece demonstrates the craftsmanship and religious care that went into furnishing this church.
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